- 5 hours ago
Jilted by Olympus, Claimed by the Underworld HD
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I stood death center in the ballroom.
00:03Tonight, I have to be chosen as a dance partner by another god.
00:07If I couldn't find one by sunrise, I'll be stripped of my title and exiled to the underworld forever.
00:13My palms were sweating so much that they left damp streaks on my silk gown.
00:18I looked at my three childhood friends.
00:21Just last night, every single one of them swore they'd be my partner.
00:25Now, they won't even look at me.
00:27All three of them walk straight to Chloe.
00:30My step-sister.
00:31Chloe is so pitiful.
00:33It would be too cruel if no one picked her.
00:36What about me?
00:37Is it not cruel to throw me back to the underhill to rot?
00:41Then I saw Ares.
00:43My heart skipped and smiled.
00:45I thought he was finally coming to announce our marriage.
00:48But he didn't take my hand.
00:50I'm sorry, Thea.
00:51You're strong, you can handle this.
00:53But she's just a weak nymph.
00:55If I don't protect her tonight, she'll be destroyed.
00:57I tried to grab his sleeve, but he pulled away.
01:03He walked straight to Chloe without looking back.
01:06The crowd went wild.
01:08So Chloe was waiting for the god of war.
01:10They looked like they were made for each other.
01:12I couldn't breathe.
01:13I was tortured for 23 years in the mortal realm.
01:17This dance was my only way out.
01:20He knew everything, and he still chose her.
01:24The music started.
01:26Ares looked at Chloe, and his eyes were so soft.
01:29I finally got it.
01:31When he actually cares about someone, his stone face can melt.
01:36But with me, he was always like a cold iron wall.
01:40Just last night, he gave me flowers for the first time.
01:44I have to act cold, because of politics and power balance.
01:48I was so stupid, I actually believed him.
01:51I even felt bad for him.
01:54What a joke.
01:55There was no politics.
01:56No strategy.
01:58He didn't give a damn about my future.
02:00He just wanted to give Chloe this moment to shine.
02:03The music died down.
02:05Chloe blushed, leaning her head on Ares' shoulder.
02:09My three best friends were now tripping over each other just to get her a glass of nectar.
02:14Ares walked over to me, his shadow looming tall and cold.
02:18Chloe's had a rough life.
02:19You've got the bloodline.
02:20You've got everything.
02:21It's just a dance, Thea.
02:23You've always been the bigger person.
02:25My throat felt like I'd swallowed broken glass.
02:28And what about me?
02:29If this gets out, I'm a joke.
02:32Zeus' granddaughter, abandoned in the middle of the ballroom.
02:35He actually frowned, like I was the one being difficult.
02:39You're overthinking.
02:40You're strong enough to stand on your own.
02:42She isn't.
02:43If I don't pick her tonight, she's dead.
02:45She won't survive exile.
02:47He had no idea my father was already planning to sell me off to some low-level demigod.
02:53This dance was my only shield, and he just smashed it to pieces.
02:57Chloe ran up to him, her eyes full of hope.
03:00Brother Ares, can you take me to meet the elders?
03:04I'm not as perfect as my sister.
03:07She's always so prepared.
03:09She even keeps a little notebook to record which young lords are gaining power and which
03:12uncles have the most resources.
03:14Then, she quickly covered her mouth like she'd said too much.
03:20I didn't mean my sister is greedy.
03:23She's just very organized.
03:26Nearby, the two elder goddesses stopped smiling.
03:30Keeping tabs on everyone's value, the great temple's princess has quite the dark heart.
03:35No wonder she pushed her way into the succession so fast.
03:45When I first came back, he told me to learn the strengths of the different clans.
03:52Ares had even guided me on what to write.
03:55But now?
03:56He didn't say a single word for me.
03:59He just let me stand in the center of the storm.
04:02Chloe tugged on Ares' sleeve.
04:04Did I say something wrong again?
04:07I just admire how capable she is.
04:10I'm so stupid.
04:13It's fine.
04:15Your sister has a big picture mind.
04:18She won't be mad at you.
04:19I couldn't take it anymore.
04:21I started walking toward them, my heart screaming.
04:25I wanted to confront them, to scream the truth.
04:28But before I could take three steps, someone grabbed me.
04:31Thea, stop.
04:32Don't go over there.
04:34It was Hermes.
04:35He blocked my way, his eyes hard.
04:38The music had picked up again, and Ares and Chloe were back on the dance floor.
04:43They were totally lost in their own little world, swirling around like nothing else mattered.
04:49I looked at Hermes' hand and realized what he was thinking.
04:53He thinks I'm going to cause a scene.
04:55He thinks I'm actually going to try and win Ares back.
04:58It wasn't surprising, really.
05:00Out of my three childhood friends, he was the only one who had truly been there with me.
05:05Before I was adopted, we spent years rotting together in a mortal orphanage.
05:10Back then, every time they handed out sacred fruit, I would throw myself into the dirt to grab the biggest,
05:17reddest one.
05:17I'd shove it into his hands first.
05:20Why?
05:21Because he was slow.
05:23He was weak.
05:24I was terrified that if I didn't feed him, he'd actually starve to death.
05:28When I finally made it out, I didn't spend my money on myself.
05:32I saved every cent to send him to the most expensive academy in Olympus.
05:38I pushed him and supported him with everything I had until he became the legendary artifact appraiser he is today.
05:46But I guess a girl from the mud is always just trash to people like him.
05:50I'll never be the moonlight he dreams about.
05:53Be good, Thea.
05:54Hermes didn't even look at me.
05:56His eyes were fixed on Chloe, filled with intense concern, as if she were the only thing in the world
06:02that mattered.
06:03Ares made his choice.
06:05If you go up there now, you're just going to look pathetic.
06:07My heart was already in pieces.
06:09Let go.
06:09I tried to twist away, but my heels slipped.
06:12I lost my balance, slammed into a stone pillar, and fell hard on my knees.
06:18The pain was so sharp, I couldn't even breathe.
06:21Hermes was startled.
06:23He jerked his head around to look at me, his eyes wide with shock.
06:27For a split second, a flicker of worry crossed his face.
06:31His hand actually moved, a reflex to reach out and help me.
06:35But then, his face turned back to stone.
06:38Is this really necessary, Thea?
06:40You've had everything for the past three years.
06:43Chloe has nothing.
06:45Do you really have to use these cheap tricks just to steal her spotlight?
06:50Ares and Apollo rushed over.
06:52Ares looked at me on the floor.
06:54Surprise flashed in his eyes.
06:56What happened now?
06:58Then a flicker of guilt.
06:59Apollo, usually so calm, looked at my bruised knees and sneered.
07:05Is self-harm your new way of getting attention, princess?
07:09Hermes' face twisted into pure disgust.
07:12But Chloe was right.
07:13You fell on purpose just to make us feel guilty.
07:18Is this going in your notebook too, Thea?
07:20Knee injured by me?
07:22Used for future leverage?
07:24Ares' face went just as cold.
07:27Apollo rubbed his temples as if I were a headache.
07:30You already took everything from Chloe.
07:32Just let her have one happy night.
07:35Fine.
07:36If you want the spotlight that badly, I'll dance with you.
07:39Is that enough dignity for you?
07:41He said, looking at me like he was doing a chore.
07:44I didn't even look at his hand.
07:46I struggled to my feet.
07:48Move!
07:49Apollo's temper finally snapped.
07:51He grabbed my wrist, hard.
07:53If Ares and I hadn't felt sorry for you and protected you back then,
07:57God knows where you'd be!
07:58I tried to jerk my hand away, but he twisted it with everything he had.
08:04A sharp crack echoed through the hall.
08:06Agony exploded in my wrist.
08:09I doubled over, clutching my arm as the world went blurry.
08:13Apollo froze, staring at his own hand in shock.
08:18Are you kidding me?
08:19You fought that hard to break away just to chase after a man?
08:23It's not even a big deal.
08:25Our Thea has seen it all.
08:26This tiny injury is nothing compared to what Chloe has suffered.
08:31I was seeing black spots, the pain making me nauseous.
08:35But I looked up and actually laughed.
08:38You're right.
08:40It's not painful enough yet.
08:44I let go of my wrist.
08:47The joint was already swollen.
08:49They just stood there, frozen.
08:52The smirk finally vanished from Hermes' face.
08:55He looked away, his jaw tight, unable to meet my eyes.
08:59Just stay there.
09:01I'll call a divine healer.
09:03Forget it.
09:04Word gets out, and Zeus won't be pleased.
09:06You're a lunatic!
09:08All you ever care about is that damned pretense of yours.
09:11Even when Chloe was convulsed from a high fever back then,
09:14you were too busy entertaining guests and locked her in the attic.
09:16For the sake of your perfect young lady for Facade,
09:19you're always scheming,
09:20always putting everyone's lives and feelings beneath your grand plans.
09:23He turned and stormed off.
09:26Hermes followed, but paused to look back one last time.
09:29It's just that no one asked you to dance today.
09:32Do you really have to make yourself look like this?
09:34I didn't answer.
09:35I just walked into the dark toward the back corridor.
09:39In the great temple, my father was waiting.
09:42He looked at me with cold, business-like eyes.
09:45You saw it tonight.
09:47Ares has no intention of marrying you.
09:50I stayed silent, clutching my broken wrist in the shadows.
09:55Zeus is getting old.
09:56He needs to see you settled before he hands over the throne.
10:00I just lost the man I loved.
10:02A new marriage right now would be a disaster.
10:04Then what do you want?
10:06Send me to the Underheld.
10:08I'm willing to serve the Lord of the Dead.
10:11Don't you dare mention that name here.
10:13My father's face drained of color instantly,
10:16his eyes darting around as if the shadows themselves were listening.
10:19He looked genuinely shaken,
10:21his arrogant posture crumbling for a moment.
10:26Fine.
10:28I'll give you seven days.
10:30Seven days until Zeus returns.
10:33If you haven't found a husband by then,
10:35I will choose one for you.
10:37I stumbled out of the room,
10:39my vision blurred by pain and exhaustion.
10:42I lost my balance and crashed into someone standing in the corridor.
10:46It was Aiden,
10:47one of Apollo's low-level attendants.
10:50He caught me by the shoulders,
10:52his grip surprisingly firm and steady.
10:54Princess,
10:56you look pale.
10:57Do you need help?
10:58Perhaps a healer?
11:00I was too exhausted to even speak.
11:02I just shook my head weakly,
11:05pulling away from him to keep moving.
11:07But as I walked away,
11:09I realized something strange.
11:11My broken wrist,
11:12the one he had just touched,
11:14didn't throb anymore.
11:16The agonizing pain was gone.
11:19I didn't have time to wonder why.
11:21I only had seven days.
11:24Seven days to find a man more powerful than Ares.
11:28Someone who isn't afraid of the light of Olympus.
11:32I came out of the clinic
11:34only to see two familiar chariots pulling up.
11:37Ares was carrying Chloe like she was made of fine porcelain
11:40while Apollo followed behind,
11:42carefully holding her crystal heels.
11:44Chloe was sobbing softly
11:45over a tiny blister from her shoes.
11:48My three childhood friends were all hovering over a bit of rub skin
11:52while I stood there with a snap phone.
11:54Sister,
11:56what happened to you?
11:57You look terrible.
11:59Ares looked up,
12:00his eyes flickered for a split second
12:02when he saw the heavy bandage,
12:04but he didn't say a word.
12:05Hermes leaned against the chariot,
12:07his smirk as mocking as ever.
12:09Dislocated.
12:10I said shortly,
12:11trying to push past him.
12:12Sister,
12:14father said,
12:15your divine marriage is set seven days from now.
12:18Ares' face hardened instantly.
12:21Seven days?
12:23Aetheria,
12:23what kind of game is this?
12:25I never agreed to marry you.
12:27Ares,
12:28Chloe's eyes welled up.
12:29You and my sister and Ares.
12:31Oh, bless you.
12:33I just,
12:33I didn't think it would be so soon.
12:35A single tear fell perfectly timed.
12:38Ares looked beyond annoyed.
12:39He turned to the others.
12:40Take Chloe inside.
12:42Don't let that blister get infected.
12:43Hermes gently took Chloe from Ares' arms.
12:46Careful, Ares.
12:46Some people use their pain as a trap.
12:49Don't get guilt-tripped.
12:50Ares waited until they were all inside.
12:52Then he turned to me.
12:53He didn't ask how I got hurt.
12:55Thea,
12:56I don't know what you told your father to make him sedate.
12:58And I don't care.
13:00Cancelled.
13:01Tell everyone it was a misunderstanding.
13:03I'll forget this whole thing.
13:05And if it's not a rumor?
13:07Then you're about to be very publicly humiliated.
13:10Because I am not marrying you, Thea.
13:12Not in seven days.
13:14Not ever.
13:15Then let's break up.
13:16I'm marrying someone else.
13:18His face went blank.
13:19Just empty.
13:21Like I'd spoken a whole different language.
13:23Ares yanked me toward him.
13:25My broken wrist creamed,
13:26but I didn't make a sound.
13:28You're marrying someone else.
13:30His fingers dug into my arm.
13:32Who?
13:33Apollo?
13:34Hermes?
13:35Name one man in this realm
13:37stupid enough to touch you without my permission.
13:39Once, I would have died for him to claim me like this.
13:42Now it just felt pathetic.
13:44You want to fight me on this?
13:45Fine.
13:46Seven days.
13:47No one will step forward.
13:49And when you crawl back,
13:51don't expect me to take you back.
13:56I hit the wall.
13:58Watched him leave again.
13:59Nothing.
14:00Not a single ripple inside.
14:02Because honestly,
14:03I didn't give a damn about Ares anymore.
14:05Three days before the wedding,
14:07I ran into Hermes at an artifact exhibition.
14:14Stop it, Thea.
14:16If you're here to beg me to come to the wedding
14:17or to talk about our past,
14:19just forget it.
14:20I told you before,
14:21I only see you as a sister.
14:23Chloe's been really fragile lately
14:25because of all your drama.
14:26I'm not going to lose her as a friend
14:27just to comfort you.
14:28You've misunderstood.
14:30You're not that important.
14:32I walked straight past him,
14:35not giving him a second glance.
14:37His mouth hung open as I headed into the main auction hall.
14:40I wasn't here for him.
14:42I was here for my mother's relic.
14:44It was a starlight necklace,
14:46a piece of her soul that I had lost years ago.
14:48Inside the hall,
14:49the auction for my mother's necklace started.
14:51I raised my hand to bid.
14:53But before the gavel could fall,
14:54Ares' voice boomed through the room.
14:57I am invoking the war god's privilege.
15:00Whatever the highest bid is,
15:02I will double it.
15:04I am taking this necklace,
15:05no matter the price.
15:07And he wasn't buying it for me.
15:08He was buying it for Chloe.
15:10I stood up and walked out,
15:12unable to breathe.
15:14Ares followed me into the corridor,
15:16dangling the necklace in front of my face like a prize.
15:18That stupid idea of marrying someone else.
15:21Swear it,
15:22and this is yours.
15:23You think I'm here because I'm waiting for a gift from you?
15:25You lost the right to give me anything a long time ago, Ares.
15:29Even if I threw you away, Thea,
15:31you're still my property.
15:32No one will marry you.
15:34No one on a lumpus dares touch what belongs to me.
15:39Last chance.
15:40Be good and come back with me.
15:42I looked around.
15:43At the bottom of the steps,
15:45I saw Aiden.
15:46He was leaning against a black chariot,
15:48yawning as if he was bored to death by all this drama.
15:50For weeks,
15:52he'd been just another face in Apollo's retinue,
15:54a lazy servant with a tired smile.
15:56But,
15:57I knew he wasn't that simple.
15:59Aiden,
16:00come up here.
16:01Is she insane?
16:02Proposing to a stable boy?
16:04The gods began to snicker,
16:05their laughter echoing off the marble walls.
16:07Aiden didn't even look at them.
16:09He walked up the steps,
16:10and the crowd was shoved aside by some unseen force.
16:13He stood before me.
16:15I'm here,
16:16little goddess.
16:17Marry me.
16:23Your soul smells of suffering,
16:26but it still shines.
16:28Even the darkness can't swallow it.
16:32But tell me,
16:33Thea,
16:34do you even know what monster you're inviting into your bed?
16:39Dead silence in the banquet hall.
16:41The gods who were just laughing at me,
16:44frozen.
16:44Every single one.
16:46Aiden.
16:46No.
16:48The thing pretending to be Aiden.
16:50His wings aren't the pure white of an angel.
16:52They're the black of the endless abyss.
16:55Every feather he swallows like,
16:57means they were ripped straight from the deepest cut of night.
17:00Someone shouts at it,
17:01then the hall explodes.
17:03The Underhouse?
17:05Goddesses grab their dresses and stumble back.
17:07God shield the ones beside them on instant.
17:10Even the air changes.
17:12That smell from deep underground.
17:15Aerie's face has never looked this bad.
17:17He lets go of the hand reaching for my necklace.
17:20His pupils shrink,
17:21locked on those black wings.
17:23His voice is low.
17:25Impossible.
17:26The Underworld doesn't meddle in Olympus affairs.
17:29Aiden tilts his head slightly.
17:30Those lazy eyes are now endless bits of ink.
17:34Says who?
17:35I just...
17:37don't like crowds.
17:38He pulls his gaze from Aries and lets it fall back on me.
17:41In those abyss, deep eyes,
17:43reversed galaxies,
17:45dead wastelands,
17:46and...
17:46something complicated.
17:49Little goddess.
17:50He lifts a hand.
17:51Cold fingertips brush my wrist.
17:53The one that was broken moments ago
17:55and is now completely healed.
17:57Do you know who you're inviting?
17:58I know.
17:59No, I don't.
18:00But I don't need to.
18:01I know you healed my wrist.
18:03I know you've been here three months
18:05and not to be a Papalo's lowly servant.
18:08I also know...
18:10I pause.
18:10If you didn't want this,
18:12you would have dodged just now.
18:13You didn't.
18:14Aiden freezes.
18:15Then, right there in front of every god in the hall,
18:17he smiles.
18:18You've really got guts.
18:20He folds the black wings.
18:21They dissolve into fine black sand
18:23and vanish in the air.
18:25He steps back half-paced,
18:26one hand behind his back,
18:28a slight bow,
18:30the oldest invitation dance of the underworld.
18:32Then, Thea,
18:36will you come with me?
18:37This time,
18:39no little goddess,
18:40no miss,
18:41he says my name.
18:42I don't hesitate.
18:44I put my hand in his palm.
18:45Behind me,
18:46I hear something shattering.
18:48Probably Ari's wine glass.
18:50It doesn't matter anymore.
18:52The wedding is set seven days from now.
18:54A union between the underworld and Olympus.
18:57Unprecedented.
18:58When the news spreads,
19:00the whole god realm shakes.
19:01Some call it a joke.
19:03The lord of the underhell,
19:04marrying a discarded goddess.
19:06Some call it a scheme.
19:07The underhell,
19:08silent for a thousand years.
19:10But most are just waiting.
19:12Waiting for Ares' reaction.
19:14After all,
19:15the whole god realm knows
19:16Thea was once his woman.
19:18Even if he threw her away
19:19with his own hands,
19:20in their eyes,
19:21she's still...
19:22Ares.
19:23The first one to find me
19:24is Hermes.
19:25He comes faster than I expected.
19:27He was there that night
19:28at the banquet.
19:29He watched Aiden spread
19:30those black wings.
19:32Watched me put my hand
19:33into that monster's.
19:35His face went from shock
19:36to pale...
19:37pale to...
19:38I don't even know what to call it.
19:40He stops me on the way
19:41back to my chambers.
19:42His eyes are rimmed red.
19:44I stop walking.
19:44Are you insane?
19:45I look at him.
19:46That's the underworld!
19:47Do you even know
19:48what the underworld is?
19:49The one I saved
19:50every scrap of food for.
19:51The one I...
19:52It's the abyss
19:52even gods refuse
19:54to step into!
19:55I stop walking.
19:56I look at him.
19:57This man.
19:58The one I protected
19:59since we were young.
20:00The one I saved
20:01every scrap of food for.
20:03The one I poured
20:03everything into lifting up.
20:05He used to be so slow.
20:07So weak.
20:09Couldn't even grab an apple.
20:10Now he stands in front of me
20:12in the most expensive robe
20:13smelling of the finest oils
20:15shouting at me
20:16but all I feel is distance.
20:19Hermes.
20:21You weren't this worked up
20:23when you said
20:23I cut myself for attention.
20:25His face goes white.
20:27I...
20:27He reaches for my sleep.
20:29Same way
20:29he used to go back
20:30to the orphanage
20:31every time he got in trouble
20:32every time he needed me
20:33to take the blame.
20:34Bea, I didn't mean it like that.
20:36I just...
20:36He bent it exactly like that.
20:38I step back.
20:40His hand grabs nothing but air.
20:42It hangs there.
20:42Frozen.
20:43His fingers slowly curl in.
20:45Go.
20:46The Underworld's escort
20:48arrives in seven days.
20:49You are as Apollo.
20:50Don't bother coming.
20:51Thea.
20:52I don't look back.
20:53Behind me, his voice.
20:54Like crying.
20:55Like begging.
20:56Thea!
20:57We didn't mean to.
20:58We just...
20:58We just didn't know.
20:59I'm done listening.
21:00I go to the mortal realm market.
21:02The only place where news
21:03from the god realm
21:04hasn't reached yet.
21:05No stares.
21:06No whispers.
21:07Just me
21:07and a list of things I need.
21:09A veil.
21:10Not the heavy kind
21:11Olympus uses.
21:12Layers and layers
21:13of gold thread suffocating.
21:15I pick black silk.
21:17Light.
21:17Simple.
21:18The shopkeeper
21:19gives me a weird look.
21:20Wedding?
21:21Yeah.
21:22Black?
21:22I don't explain.
21:23She shrugs and takes my coin.
21:25Next, a ring.
21:26Not for me.
21:27For him.
21:28I have no idea
21:29what the Lord of the Underworld wears.
21:31Does he even wear rings?
21:33I buy a simple obsidian band anyway.
21:35If he hates it,
21:36he can throw it into the abyss.
21:39I'm wrapping it in cloth
21:41when a shadow falls over my table.
21:43A bat.
21:44Tiny.
21:44Black as ink.
21:45A scroll tied to its leg.
21:47I untie it.
21:48The wax seal is cold to the touch.
21:50Deep black with a single symbol
21:52carved into it.
21:53A pomegranate flower.
21:54I break it open.
21:56The handwriting is sharp.
21:57Clean.
21:58No flourish.
22:00I read it three times.
22:01Then I tuck it into my sleeve.
22:03Pay for the ring.
22:04And walk out into the sun.
22:06Three days.
22:07The god of the dead is waiting.
22:10Three days later.
22:11The signing ceremony.
22:13The marriage contract
22:14between the underworld and Olympus.
22:16By tradition,
22:17I have to go to the underworld myself.
22:19Seal it with blood
22:20by the river of oath.
22:21Ares stops me
22:22before the ceremony begins.
22:23His eyes are bloodshot
22:24like he hasn't slept in days.
22:26That war god arrogance is gone.
22:28Replaced by something
22:29I can't even imagine.
22:31Cancel engagement.
22:32That man isn't someone you can handle.
22:35The lord of the underworld.
22:36Do you even know what he is?
22:37I look at him.
22:38Say nothing.
22:39He's destroyed three god clans.
22:41The dead souls under him
22:42outnumber the sand and Strix.
22:44If you're with him...
22:46Ares!
22:46I cut him off.
22:47He stopped.
22:48Are you against me
22:49marrying into the underworld?
22:50Or are you against me
22:51marrying anyone else?
22:51His throat lobs.
22:52His lips hurt.
22:53I'm angry.
22:54You chose Chloe.
22:55You told her your sister is generous.
22:57She won't be angry.
22:58Those tricks you taught me
22:59you turned around
22:59and let her use them
23:00as knives in my bathroom.
23:01So when I needed you
23:02you were holding well
23:02up for someone else
23:03when I fell in front of everyone
23:04and had nothing to do with you.
23:06When Apollo snapped my wrist
23:08you didn't even ask.
23:10And now...
23:12I look at him.
23:13My voice is gone
23:14in dead water.
23:15Tell me.
23:17What gives you
23:18the right to stop me?
23:20Ares' eyes go red.
23:21The god of war.
23:22Eyes red.
23:24I've never seen that before.
23:27Because I...
23:28He takes a shaky breath.
23:30Because I thought
23:31you wouldn't really leave.
23:33I thought you couldn't live without me.
23:36He stalks.
23:37His voice drops lower.
23:38I thought...
23:39you would wait for me.
23:41I hear it.
23:42No heartbreak.
23:44No anger.
23:45Not even a ripple.
23:46Once I would have waited.
23:48Waited on that iron bed
23:49in the orphanage
23:49for a kind family to take me.
23:51Waited in my adoptive parents'
23:53house for one real round of praise.
23:56Waited in Olympus for the rain to stop.
23:58I've waited long enough.
24:01Aeris.
24:03I'm not your backup.
24:04I was never anyone's backup.
24:06I step around him.
24:08Walk toward the Underworld procession.
24:11Behind him.
24:11The sound of him hitting the ground.
24:13The god of war on his knees in the dust.
24:16With a floundering statue.
24:17I don't look back.
24:19The Underworld procession parts.
24:21Hades steps through the black mist
24:23like the dark it felt
24:24just decided to take shape.
24:26No wings this time.
24:28Just him.
24:29Tall.
24:30Still.
24:31Those abyss-deep eyes
24:32find me instantly.
24:34Behind me,
24:34Aeris is still on his knees.
24:36Hades doesn't even blink at him.
24:38You're late.
24:39The river of ocean doesn't run.
24:41It's been waiting a thousand years.
24:43Three more minutes won't turn.
24:45He extends his hands.
24:46Palm up.
24:47Same as that night in the wintertime.
24:49I take it.
24:50His fingers closing on me.
24:51He's silent.
24:52You ready for this?
24:53I'm ready.
24:55I rise on my toes
24:56and press a kiss
24:57to the corner of his mouth.
24:58Live.
24:59Quick.
25:01But the entire procession
25:02goes dead silent.
25:05Hades blinks.
25:06Then his hand slides
25:08to the back of my neck.
25:10He pulls me in.
25:12Kisses me back.
25:14Marking the contract early.
25:17Hope you don't mind.
25:19Aeris,
25:20still on the ground,
25:22not getting up.
25:23I don't even turn around.
25:25Let's go.
25:27This place stinks.
25:28He laughs.
25:29Low and rough.
25:31Whatever my bride wants.
25:32He takes me through the mist.
25:34The underworld unfolds before me.
25:37The boatman doesn't speak.
25:39The dead on the banks
25:40don't look up.
25:41We stop at the river of oath.
25:43The contract waits on a stone table.
25:45Ancient script.
25:47The old tongue of the underworld.
25:49Hades stands across from me.
25:51He's changed.
25:53Black ceremonial robes now.
25:55But those eyes,
25:56still the same.
25:57Last chance.
25:59If you want out,
26:01I'll act like none of this happened.
26:03I'll send you back to Olympus.
26:05Clear every obstacle for you.
26:06As an ally.
26:08Yes.
26:09No marriage required.
26:11I look at him.
26:13You have second thoughts?
26:15He doesn't answer.
26:16Just watch me.
26:18Something in his eyes I can't quite name.
26:20Waiting for me to walk toward him on my own.
26:24I pick up the gold needle on the table.
26:26Pierce my fingertip.
26:28Blood hits the ancient ruins.
26:31Gold light explodes across the river of oath.
26:35Cutting through a thousand years of silence.
26:38I don't need a backup plan.
26:40I chose you because you're the one I chose.
26:42Not because Ares threw me away.
26:43Not because Hermes didn't need me.
26:45Not because everyone else betrayed me.
26:46Because that night in the hallway,
26:48you,
26:48you healed my wrist and told no one.
26:51Because you could have left any time.
26:53You stayed three months.
26:54Because you never once asked what I could give you.
26:56I pause.
26:57You're the only one who just asked if I wanted to go with you.
27:00Hades is silent for a long moment.
27:02Then he reaches across the table.
27:04His hand covers mine.
27:06The one still dripping blood.
27:09His blood and my blood mix together.
27:12Falling into the ruins.
27:14The sky flips.
27:16The river of oath flows backwards.
27:19A low roar tears through ten thousand years of silence.
27:23The contract seals.
27:25Once you're in the underworld, there's no turning back.
27:28I look at him.
27:29I was never planning to.
27:30Good.
27:30He pulls me close.
27:32Our still bleeding hands tangled together.
27:36You kissed me back there in front of everyone.
27:38Didn't know my bride was that bold.
27:41Get used to it.
27:42He laughs.
27:44The underworld doesn't have sunrises.
27:47I've stopped counting time by light.
27:51Here, time moves differently.
27:54Heavy.
27:55Slow.
27:56Like the air itself wants you to sit in it.
28:00I'm in my chamber.
28:02The one Hades had prepared before I even arrived.
28:06Black silk curtains.
28:08A bed that swallows you whole.
28:10Candles that never burn down.
28:13I'm braiding my hair when the door opens.
28:15Hades walks in.
28:17No announcement.
28:18No warning.
28:18His hand is behind his back.
28:20I'm staring.
28:22I'm staring.
28:24Staring is creepy.
28:26You married creepy.
28:28I snort.
28:30He crosses the room.
28:32Stops right behind me.
28:33His reflection in the dark mirror.
28:36Tall.
28:37Still.
28:38Close your eyes.
28:39Why?
28:40Why?
28:41He says it like a reminder.
28:42Close your eyes.
28:44I close them.
28:45Cold weight against my collarbone.
28:48My breath catches.
28:50My fingers fly up.
28:52Touch the pendant.
28:53The chain.
28:54The worn spot on the clasp that I've traced a thousand times since I was a child.
28:59My mother's necklace.
29:02I open my eyes.
29:04Stare at him in the mirror.
29:06How?
29:07Eris handed it over.
29:08His voice is flat.
29:10Casual.
29:11He just...
29:12Handed it over?
29:13After some convincing.
29:15What kind of convincing?
29:17I ask nicely.
29:19His mouth twitches.
29:21Hades!
29:21He asked for a jewel.
29:23I gave him one.
29:24He shrugs.
29:25It was short.
29:27Short.
29:27I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
29:29My hand is still clutching the necklace.
29:32Hades reaches out.
29:34I didn't even realize I was crying.
29:36You said you didn't need me to fight your battles.
29:38I didn't ask you to.
29:40No.
29:41You didn't.
29:42He tilts my chin up.
29:43You married the Lord of the Underhill.
29:45He doesn't wait for permission.
29:47That's a terrible excuse.
29:50It's not an excuse.
29:51His eyes hold mine.
29:53It's a warning.
29:55I don't look away.
29:56Warning received.
29:59Good.
30:00He leans down.
30:02Presses his lips to the necklace.
30:04To my collarbone.
30:05To the hollow of my throat.
30:07One more thing.
30:09What?
30:10The necklace wasn't the surprise.
30:12I pull back.
30:13Look at him.
30:14He reaches into his robe.
30:16Pulls out a scroll.
30:17The surprise is what Ares admitted.
30:19Before the duel ended.
30:21I take the scroll.
30:22Unroll it.
30:23Three lines.
30:24Ares handwriting.
30:26Shaky.
30:27Like it hurts to write.
30:28I read it three times.
30:30Then I set it on fire with a flick of my fingers.
30:34Don't need it anymore.
30:36Hades watches me.
30:37His eyes burning in the dark.
30:39The summons comes three days later.
30:42Olympus calls for a formal severance.
30:45Old laws.
30:46Old rules.
30:48Before a goddess marries into another realm, all prior bonds must be broken in public record.
30:55Witnessed.
30:56Signed.
30:57Sealed.
30:58Ridiculous.
31:00I've already signed the underworld contract.
31:02Sealed it with blood.
31:04By the old laws, I shouldn't have to do this at all.
31:07But Zeus insists.
31:09Zeus wants the spectacle.
31:11Wants Olympus to see what it lost.
31:13Wants to remind everyone that the lord of the underheld didn't steal a dried.
31:16Olympus threw her away first.
31:19Up to you.
31:20We can ignore it or we can go.
31:22Let's go.
31:23His mouth curves.
31:24That's my wife.
31:25The hall of oaths.
31:26Olympus.
31:27Same hall where Ares humiliated me at the banquet.
31:31Where Apollo snapped my wrist.
31:35Where Hermes stood silent while I fell.
31:39Now I walk in with the king of the underworld at my side.
31:43The hall goes quiet.
31:45Gods and goddesses step back.
31:47Not just fear.
31:48Something else.
31:50Something like awe.
31:52Ares.
31:53Pale.
31:53His sword hand bandaged.
31:55The hand Hades broke in that short duel.
31:58Hermes.
31:59Eyes swollen.
32:00Red.
32:01He hasn't slept.
32:03He looks like he hasn't slept in days.
32:05Apollo.
32:06Arm in a sling.
32:07His face blank.
32:08But his jaw is tight enough to crack teeth in chains.
32:12My adoptive father.
32:13Brought up from the mortal realm by underworld guards.
32:17His crimes.
32:18Fraud.
32:19Abuse.
32:20Theft.
32:21The old household.
32:22All of it.
32:23Laid bare in front of the court.
32:26And in the corner.
32:27Chloe.
32:27Not in chains.
32:28But her face is grey.
32:30I walk to the table.
32:32Hades stays at my back.
32:35The bonds shall be read.
32:37The severance shall be witnessed.
32:41Let it begin.
32:42Ares stands first.
32:45He looks at me.
32:47His mouth opens.
32:49Closes.
32:50Opens again.
32:51Thea.
32:51His voice cracks on my name.
32:54Actually cracks.
32:56I.
32:57Just read the bond, Ares.
32:59His hand shakes as he unrolls the scroll.
33:02I, Ares, god of war, do hereby acknowledge the severance of all bonds with Thea.
33:06Bonds of promise.
33:08Bonds of obligation.
33:09Bonds of.
33:09He stops.
33:10Swallows.
33:11Bonds of love.
33:13Unspoken.
33:14Unfulfilled.
33:15Regretted.
33:16I was wrong.
33:17I was wrong about everything.
33:19I thought you'd always be there.
33:20I thought strength meant control.
33:22I thought, I thought teaching you those tricks meant you'd know how to protect yourself.
33:26I didn't realize I was the one you needed protection from.
33:28I'm sorry.
33:29That's all.
33:30Just sorry.
33:31It's not enough.
33:31I know it's not enough, but it's all I have.
33:34I say nothing.
33:35He sits down like his legs gave out.
33:38Hermes stands next.
33:40He doesn't unroll his scroll.
33:43He just stares at me.
33:45Tears running down his face.
33:47Thea.
33:48His voice is a ruin.
33:49You are my sister.
33:51My real sister.
33:53Not by blood.
33:54By everything else.
33:56You starved so I could eat.
33:58You fought so I could rest.
33:59You stood in front of me every single time.
34:02He grips the table.
34:03And I repaid you by standing still when you needed me.
34:06I let Apollo break your wrist.
34:08I let ours humiliate you.
34:09I told myself it wasn't my business.
34:11I told myself you were strong enough to handle it.
34:13I told myself you'd forgive me because you always did.
34:16Every time.
34:17You always forgave me.
34:18He finally looks me in the eye.
34:20I was a coward.
34:22I owe you everything.
34:24And I gave you nothing.
34:26He can't finish the reading.
34:27He just signs the scroll with a trembling hand.
34:30And sits down.
34:31Crumples.
34:33I was jealous.
34:34The hall stirs.
34:36Jealous that Ares had you.
34:37Jealous that you looked at him and never at me.
34:39Jealous that you were stronger than all of us and you didn't even know it.
34:41I broke your wrist because I couldn't stand it.
34:43That you still held your head up.
34:45That you still had dignity when we were all trying so hard to strip it from you.
34:48He pauses.
34:49I'm a healer.
34:50I took an oath to do no harm.
34:52He looks at his own arm in the sling.
34:54Hades snapped it in two places.
34:58I asked him to leave it unhealed.
35:00A reminder.
35:02Finally, he picks up the scroll.
35:05Reads it in one breath.
35:06Signs it.
35:07Sits.
35:08Doesn't ask for forgiveness.
35:11Doesn't deserve it.
35:12I turn to the hall.
35:14To Zeus.
35:15To all of them.
35:16Severance is complete.
35:18Witnessed.
35:19Signed.
35:20I walk back to Hades.
35:22He doesn't say anything.
35:24Just takes my hand.
35:25Lifts it to his lips.
35:27Presses a kiss to my necklace.
35:29You done?
35:30How?
35:31Done.
35:32Good.
35:33He pulls me into his side.
35:34Let's go home.
35:35Home.
35:36The underworld.
35:37The dark.
35:38The silence.
35:39The only place that has ever felt like mine.
35:43We walk out of the hall together.
35:45Behind us, silence.
35:47Not the silence of power.
35:48The silence of loss.
35:50The kind that stretches on and on.
35:53The kind you never stop hearing.
35:56The doors close.
35:58The story ends.
36:00And I'm finally free.
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